Barely weeks after joining us for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Shamar Joseph has bagged the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for January 2024.

The West Indian pacer, just 24, becomes the first player from the Caribbean to win the prestigious award since its inception in 2021.

“I am extremely delighted to win this award. To get such an award on the world stage feels special. I totally enjoyed every moment of that experience playing for the West Indies in Australia, especially the magic of the final day at the Gabba. Taking the wicket to win the match was a dream!” Joseph said.

Joseph was a clear choice for the award on the back of a sensational debut Test series against Australia Down Under, which saw him devastate the mighty Australian batting line-up with 13 wickets in just two Tests.

Handed his debut in the first Test at Adelaide last month, the fiery speedster made an instant impact, dismissing Steve Smith with his very first delivery on the international stage. Joseph finished the innings with impressive figures of 5/94 with the likes of Cameron Green and Travis Head featuring among his other victims.

Though West Indies lost the match, Joseph made an impression with his maiden outing and would only go on to build on it in the second Test at Gabba.

Joseph picked up one wicket in the first innings but came alive in the second. With West Indies defending a modest 216, the speedster rocked the Aussies with astonishing figures of 7/68 and helped the Windies to a historic win. 

Perhaps what made the spell even more special was the fact that Joseph had to bowl with an injured toe, which forced him to retire hurt while batting the previous day. Joseph bagged both the Player of the Match and Series awards.

We’re definitely looking forward to a lot more special spells from Joseph in IPL 2024.